IBM Releases Update to CICS Transaction Server

IBM has released the latest version of its transaction server software for z/OS environments, which includes additional support for event processing, Java, and the CICS Explorer. The new update, CICS Transaction Server for z/OS (CICS TS) V4.2, builds upon the new and enhanced capabilities developed and delivered in V4.1, to enable companies to compete in the marketplace, comply with standards and regulations, and control IT processes.

CICS TS V4.2 delivers technical innovation and significant business value in five main focus areas, including new system health events to warn of potential problems, and enhanced CICS bundle support. Java support includes new 64-bit multi-threaded JVM (optimized for zEnterprise), support for deployment of OSGi bundles, and the provision of a new Java-based Axis2 web services engine.

The new CICS release includes a new option to offload web services parsing to zAAPs, support for function shipping file control, transient data, and temporary storage requests over a TCP/IP network using IP interconnectivity (IPIC). Management tools include new cross-system transaction tracking capabilities, support for password phrases to enhance log-on security, and enhancements to the CICS Explorer. Scalability includes more thread safe access and 64-bit exploitation.